Telling the unique stories of diverse races and cultures is just one of the places where public media excels.

We reflect this truth every month of the year, though it emerges even more clearly during February's Black History Month. After all, no other media entity brings you programs that explore the gamut of the African American experience - from the insight of award-winning performers and writers to a landmark study of race and inequality, to the power of photography in sharing a collective history.

Two of these programs (Through a Lens Darkly and American Denial) are from Independent Lens, produced by Independent Television Service (ITVS), one of our most important media partners. I had the privilege of serving on the ITVS board of directors for eight years; it was incredibly gratifying to play a part in bringing the perspectives of independent filmmakers to public television viewers.

Thank you for your interest in all that ways that public media and the WTVP stations enhance the quality of life across central Illinois.